Fairhaven Center Development

Project Description

Dominion Sustainability Development Corporation is constructing several new buildings in Fairhaven. The private development includes three buildings – one residential, and two residential and commercial – that will sit atop a large parking garage on the property at the northwest corner of Mill Ave and 11th Street, commonly called “The Pit.”

The buildings are expected to offer nearly 200 residential units – a more precise number will be provided as development progresses.

Public Benefits

The project includes a development agreement that allows for an increase in height limits to four stories for parts of the property – it is generally set at three. The City agreed to the increase as long as certain public benefits are included in the project:

Adding 80 public parking spaces in the private garage with at least five equipped for electrical vehicle charging.
Allocating 20 percent of units as affordable housing for 12 years.
Dedicating a permanent easement for the South Bay Trail, an outlook towards Bellingham Bay and view corridors and pedestrian connectivity through the site.

Construction Impacts

Trail Access and Reroute

The South Bay Trail, which runs through the developer’s property, will be temporarily closed between the intersections of Douglas Avenue and 10^th Street, and Mill Avenue and 10^th Street. It will then be reopened near its original location.
Alternative routes will need to be utilized by trail users during the closure.

Street, Sidewalk and Parking Access

For years, the property owner allowed people to use the area as a parking lot. The open pit parking will be used for construction vehicles and equipment.
During the first phase of the project, the developer may request periodic use of on-street parking areas for limited time periods. The City will consider these requests, and if approved, signage will be posted on the site in advance of closures.
During the second and third phases, parking at Mill Avenue and 11^th Street may be impacted. It is possible for the developer to request a closure of on-street parking for up to 2 years.

Project Timeline

These dates and information will be updated as construction progresses.

Phase 1 – Est. Spring 2025 through Summer 2026

Activity	Estimated Timeframe	Potential Impacts
Utility work	Spring 2025 – Completion 1-1.5 years from start date	Limited impacts outside the project site Potential to close 10^th Street parking occasionally and temporarily
Construction of the first building	Spring 2025 – Completion 1-1.5 years from start date	Trail will be closed between Taylor Dock and Fairhaven Part or all of “Pit” parking will be removed from public use Possible disruption to parking on 10^th Street for a limited portion of time
New trail will be constructed	Spring 2025 – Completion 1-1.5 years from start date	Trail closure

Phase 2 – Est. Summer 2026 through Winter 2028

Activity	Timeframe	Potential Impacts
Development of underground parking garage and second building	Est. Summer 2026 – Winter 2028	Closure of street parking on Mill Avenue and 11^th abutting the site Permanent closure of “Pit” parking
Construction of new sidewalks abutting the 10^th Street parking area	Est. Summer 2026 – Winter 2028	10^th Street parking will likely be temporarily impacted
Installation of parking on Mill Avenue and 11^th Street	Est. Summer 2026 – Winter 2028	Continued closure of street parking on Mill Avenue and 11^th abutting the site until the project is complete

Phase 3 – Est. Late 2028 (or later) through 2029 or 2030

Activity	Timeframe	Potential Disruptions
Development of third building	Est. late 2028 or later – 2029 or 2030	Parking on 11^th Street may be temporarily impacted

Contact Us

For questions or more information, please contact the Planning and Community Development Department at planning@cob.org or 360-778-8300.